title: Behavioural cues of reproductive status in seahorses Hippocampus abdominalis.
abstract: A method is described to assess the reproductive status of male Hippocampus abdominalis on the basis of behavioural traits. The non-invasive nature of this technique minimizes handling stress and reduces sampling requirements for experimental work. It represents a useful tool to assist researchers in sample collection for studies of reproduction and development in viviparous syngnathids, which are emerging as important model species.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. camilla.whittington@sydney.edu.au
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Whittington
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Musolf
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sommer
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal; D023701:Smegmamorpha / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: behaviour; courtship; pregnancy; syngnathid; viviparity